The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is heading back to Stuttgart. The “Spirit of Christmas” performance will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, in the Riceland Auditorium of the Grand Prairie Center.

“The community will see a fabulous performance by local artists,” Director Amanda Holsted said. “We are very fortunate to have such a talented symphony orchestra in the state of Arkansas. The orchestra will also be bringing some guests artists to enhance the show. The show will be filled with Christmas favorites that will set the holiday mood.”

ASO first appeared in Stuttgart last year where the ASO performance was the third best-selling event in the inaugural performance series for the Grand Prairie Center. Holsted said “we had many requests from the community to bring the symphony back for another Christmas performance.

“The show was so amazing last year that we gladly honored the community’s requests,” she added. “Ticket sales have been steady but we need to continue with sales to ensure a successful event.”

ASO is in its 47th season and is one of Arkansas’ most dynamic performing symphonic organizations. “Spirit of Christmas” will feature traditional and Pops Christmas tunes as well as a few surprise guest entertainers

Phillip Mann serves as the ASO musical director. He also serves as the San Diego Symphony’s associate conductor and is a former American Conducting Fellow/assistant conductor where he conducted more than 200 performances of Jacobs Subscription Masterworks, Symphony Exposed, family and young people’s concerts, Kinder Konzert, pops and other special programs.

The center is located on the campus of Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, and a desert reception will be held immediately following the performance to honor UA System President Dr. Donald Bobbitt.

Tickets for this year’s performance are $39, $30, $25 or $20 with a discount available for groups of 10 or more.